Protective case for mobile electronic communication device

ABSTRACT

A protective case for a mobile electronic communication device includes a rear cover including a compressible member and a catch, the compressible member and the catch being spaced from each other to form an alcove; and a front cover including a rim configured to extend into the alcove, the rim having an inner surface configured to contact the compressible member and an outer surface opposite the inner surface configured to engage the catch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/207,362 filed on Aug. 19, 2015, the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/210,944 filed on Aug. 27, 2015, the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to cases and, in particularembodiments, to protective cases for mobile electronic communicationdevices.

2. BACKGROUND

Mobile electronic communication devices, such as smart phones, tablets,or the like, typically contain sensitive and/or delicate electronics orother components. These devices can be subject to physical abuse andrisks of damage from handling, especially given the portable nature ofthe devices (e.g., dropping, or otherwise subjecting the devices tophysical shock or other trauma, etc.). In addition, because they containsensitive electronics, mobile electronic communication devices areparticularly susceptible to damage caused by liquids (e.g., a mobilephone may be rendered completely inoperable after being exposed towater). Mobile electronic communication devices typically includehousings that can withstand a certain level of physical shock or waterexposure. However, in an effort to improve aesthetics, the housings aretypically designed to have finishes that look appealing, but often atthe compromise of structural integrity. Accordingly, a protective casethat encloses some or the entire mobile electronic communication devicecan provide an additional level of protection to the sensitiveelectronics and the housing of the mobile electronic communicationdevice.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a protective case for amobile electronic communication device having a user input interface.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a protective casefor a mobile electronic communication device, the protective caseincluding: a rear cover including a compressible member and a catch, thecompressible member and the catch being spaced from each other to forman alcove; and a front cover including a rim configured to extend intothe alcove, the rim having an inner surface configured to contact thecompressible member and an outer surface opposite the inner surfaceconfigured to engage the catch.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rim has an angular recess.

In some embodiments, a shape of the catch corresponds to the angularrecess of the outer surface of the rim for engagement between the catchand the angular recess.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the rim has a flat surface.

In some embodiments, the compressible member includes an enlargedportion and a projection portion extending from the enlarged portion andinto the alcove.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the rim is configured tocompress the projection portion of the compressible member when the rearcover is coupled to the front cover.

In some embodiments, the enlarged portion of the compressible member isconfigured to increase in thickness when the projection portion iscompressed by the inner surface of the rim.

In some embodiments, the protective case further includes one or moreempty spaces above and/or below the compressible member when the frontcover is coupled to the rear cover, the empty spaces configured toaccommodate the increased thickness of the enlarged portion of thecompressible member.

In some embodiments, the rear cover has an inclined surface; and thecompressible member is located on the inclined surface such that thecompressible member is directed towards the alcove.

In some embodiments, the compressible member is made from liquidsilicone rubber.

Further embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing a protective casefor a mobile electronic communication device having a user inputinterface.

According to various embodiments, a method of manufacturing a protectivecase for a mobile electronic communication device includes providing arear cover including a compressible member and a catch, the compressiblemember and the catch being spaced from each other to form an alcove; andconfiguring a front cover including a rim configured to extend into thealcove, the rim having an inner surface configured to contact thecompressible member and an outer surface opposite the inner surfaceconfigured to engage the catch.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rim has an angular recess.

In some embodiments, a shape of the catch corresponds to the angularrecess of the outer surface of the rim for engagement between the catchand the angular recess.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the rim has a flat surface.

In some embodiments, the compressible member includes an enlargedportion and a projection portion extending from the enlarged portion andinto the alcove.

In some embodiments, the inner surface of the rim is configured tocompress the projection portion of the compressible member when the rearcover is coupled to the front cover.

In some embodiments, the enlarged portion of the compressible member isconfigured to increase in thickness when the projection portion iscompressed by the inner surface of the rim.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing one or moreempty spaces above and/or below the compressible member when the frontcover is coupled to the rear cover, the empty spaces configured toaccommodate the increased thickness of the enlarged portion of thecompressible member.

In some embodiments, the rear cover has an inclined surface; and thecompressible member is located on the inclined surface such that thecompressible member is directed towards the alcove.

In some embodiments, the compressible member is made from liquidsilicone rubber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2B is another side view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2C is a top view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2D is a bottom view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 3A is a view of a front cover of a protective case according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a view of a rear cover of a protective case according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a view of a portion of a protective case according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 6A is a view of a front cover of another protective case accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a view of a front cover of a protective case according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 9B is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 9C is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective caseaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 10A is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of aprotective case according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a protectivecase according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a lateral portion of a protectivecase housing a mobile electronic communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a protective case 100 for a mobile electroniccommunication device according to various embodiments. FIG. 2A is a sideview of the protective case 100 according to various embodiments. FIG.2B is another side view of the protective case 100 according to variousembodiments. FIG. 2C is a top view of the protective case 100 accordingto various embodiments. FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the protective case100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3A is a view of a rear cover110 of the protective case 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3Bis a view of a front cover 120 of the protective case 100 according tovarious embodiments. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the protective case100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of aportion of the protective case 100 according to various embodiments.FIG. 5B is a view of a portion of the protective case 100 according tovarious embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5B, according to various embodiments, theprotective case 100 includes the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120that, when coupled, form a volume in the protective case 100. The volumeof the protective case 100 may be configured to hold a mobile electroniccommunication device (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a smartphone (e.g., iPhone) or other cell phone, a tablet (e.g., iPad), apersonal data assistant (PDA), a laptop, an MP3 player, a music player,a video player, a media player, a navigational device, a telematicsdevices, or any other portable electronic device. The mobile electroniccommunication device may include a display device (e.g., LCD screen,etc.), a user input interface (e.g., keyboard, touchscreen interface,etc.) for providing an input or otherwise interacting with the mobileelectronic communication device, and/or the like. In particularembodiments, the mobile electronic communication device includes atouchscreen for the display device and the user input interface.

In various embodiments, the rear cover 110 and/or the front cover 120may be made of any suitable material. In particular embodiments, therear cover 110 and/or the front cover 120 may be made from materialsthat are capable of providing one or more of shock and liquid resistanceto an encased mobile electronic communication device, when the rearcover 110 and the front cover 120 are coupled around the encased device.In some embodiments, the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 arecomposed of a plurality of different components and therefore may befabricated from a plurality of different materials. Suitable materialsfrom which the rear cover 110 and/or the front cover 120 may be made ofinclude, but are not limited to, rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, or anyother type of material adapted to provide a corresponding desired amountof protection to the mobile electronic communication device (e.g., shockand/or liquid resistance) including, but not limited to, plastic, metal,polycarbonate, nylon, liquid crystal polymer, rubber, thermal plasticurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, a mixturethereof, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the protective case 100 completely encloses themobile electronic communication device. For instance, the rear cover 110and the front cover 120, when coupled together, may completely enclosethe mobile electronic communication device. In other embodiments, theprotective case 100 covers a portion of the mobile electroniccommunication device. In such embodiments, a remaining portion of themobile electronic communication device may remain exposed.

According to various embodiments, the front cover 120 includes an outerbody 121.

The outer body 121 may form the perimeter of the protective case 100such that the outer body 121 encompasses the edges of a mobile devicewhen the mobile device is encased in the protective case 100. The outerbody 121 may include an outer peripheral wall 121 a facing towards anoutside of the protective case 100, and an inner peripheral wall 121 bfacing the opposite direction from which the outer peripheral wall 121 afaces (e.g., towards the mobile electronic communication device when thedevice is encased in the protective case 100). The inner peripheral wall121 b may define a cavity 122 in which the mobile electroniccommunication device may reside. In such embodiments, the outerperipheral wall 121 a and the inner peripheral wall 121 b of the outerbody 121 form a peripheral wall 120 a of the front cover 120. In someembodiments, the outer peripheral wall 121 a and the inner peripheralwall 121 b are made from the same material. In other embodiments, theouter peripheral wall 121 a and the inner peripheral wall 121 b are madefrom different materials. The outer peripheral wall 121 a and the innerperipheral wall 121 b may be made from any suitable material forproviding protection to the encased mobile electronic communicationdevice, such as, but not limited to, an elastomeric material, plastic,metal, polycarbonate, nylon, liquid crystal polymer, rubber, thermalplastic urethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, amixture thereof, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the outer body 121 of the front cover 120further includes a liner 130 located between the outer peripheral wall121 b and the inner peripheral wall 121 a. The liner 130 may extendalong the perimeter of the peripheral wall 120 a. In some embodiments,the outer peripheral wall 121 a and the inner peripheral wall 121 b maybe coupled to each other by one or more channels 121 c. Each of the oneor more channels 121 c may be located through the liner 130 to form aconnection between the outer peripheral wall 121 a and the innerperipheral wall 121 b, which are otherwise isolated from each other bythe liner 130. In some embodiments, each of the one or more channels 121c is periodically located throughout the perimeter of the liner 130, atdiscrete locations throughout the liner 130. In particular embodiments,the one or more channels 121 c are arranged throughout the perimeter ofthe liner 130 in a regular or irregular pattern. In other embodiments,the one or more channels 121 c include a continuous channel extendingalong the perimeter of the liner 130, as opposed to the one or morechannels 121 c being located at discrete locations, such that the outerperipheral wall 121 a and the inner peripheral wall 121 b arecontinuously coupled through the liner 130 along the perimeter of theouter body 121. The liner 130 may be made from any suitable sturdymaterial, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polycarbonate,nylon, liquid crystal polymer, rubber, thermal plastic urethane,polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, a mixture thereof,and/or the like. In particular embodiments, the liner 130 and theperipheral wall 120 a may be formed together (e.g., using an overmoldprocess). In other embodiments, the peripheral wall 120 a and the liner130 are made separately and joined together.

In further embodiments, the liner 130 extends upward through a topperimeter (e.g., a location opposite the rear cover 110 when the frontcover 120 and the rear cover 110 are coupled) of the outer body 121 andforms an annular ledge 130 a of the liner 130 around the top perimeterof the outer body 121. The ledge 130 a may be substantially flat alongthe top perimeter of the outer body 121 and extend inwards towards thecavity 122 and over the inner peripheral wall 121 b. In someembodiments, the ledge 130 a is formed as an extension of the liner 130and may therefore be made from the same material as that of the liner130. In other embodiments, the ledge 130 a is formed separately andattached to the liner 130. In such embodiments, the ledge 130 a may beformed of any suitable material the same as, or different from, theliner 130, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polycarbonate,nylon, liquid crystal polymer, rubber, thermal plastic urethane,polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination thereof, a mixture thereof,and/or the like.

In further embodiments, the liner 130 also extends downwards through abottom perimeter (e.g., a perimeter located opposite the annular ledge130 a) of the outer body 121 and forms an annular rim 130 b of the liner130 along the bottom perimeter of the outer body 121. In particularembodiments, the rim 130 b extends beyond the peripheral wall 120 a ofthe outer body 121. The rim 130 b may include an outer surface 131 forengagement with the rear cover 110 and an inner surface 132 opposite theouter surface 131 for engagement with a seal located on the rear cover110. In such embodiments, the outer surface 131 includes an angularrecess 131 a for engagement with the rear cover 110. Furthermore, theinner surface 132 may be a substantially flat or level surface. In someembodiments, the rim 130 b is formed as an extension of the liner 130and is therefore made from the same material as that of the liner 130.In other embodiments, the rim 130 b is formed separately and attached tothe liner 130. In such embodiments, the rim 130 b may be formed of anysuitable material the same as, or different from, the liner 130, suchas, but not limited to, plastic, metal, polycarbonate, nylon, liquidcrystal polymer, rubber, thermal plastic urethane, polyethylene,polypropylene, a combination thereof, a mixture thereof, and/or thelike.

A mobile electronic communication device may be mounted or otherwisearranged in the protective case 100 in any suitable manner. In someembodiments, the mobile electronic communication device may be receivedin the front cover 120. For instance, the peripheral wall 120 a definesthe cavity 122 for receiving (at least a portion of) the mobileelectronic communication device. In other embodiments, the mobileelectronic communication device is mounted to the protective case 100 byattaching the mobile electronic communication device to the protectivecase 100, for example, with a fastener, adhesive, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 areconfigured to couple or mate in any suitable manner to enclose themobile electronic communication device in the protective case 100. Inparticular embodiments, at least a portion of the rear cover 110 isreceived into a portion (e.g., cavity 122) of the front cover 120.

In some embodiments, the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 areconfigured to be coupled together to form a waterproof seal (i.e., tosubstantially prevent passage of liquid from one side of the protectivecase 100 (e.g., outside of the protective case 100) to the other side ofthe protective case 100 (e.g., inside of the protective case 100)). Insome embodiments, an annular compressible member 150 is provided on therear cover 110 to provide a seal between the rear cover 110 and thefront cover 120, when the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 arecoupled to each other. The annular compressible member 150 may extendalong a perimeter (e.g., the entire perimeter or a portion of theperimeter) of the rear cover 110, at a location inwards from an edge 112of the rear cover 110. In particular embodiments, the compressiblemember 150 is attached to a front surface 110 a of the rear cover 110facing the cavity 122. For instance, the compressible member 150 may beattached by, for example, but not limited to, overmolding thecompressible member 150 onto the rear cover 110, an adhesive material,one or more fasteners, a combination thereof, and/or the like, to thefront surface 110 a or the rear cover 110. In various embodiments, thecompressible member 150 is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to ashape and dimension of an outer perimeter of the mobile electroniccommunication device, or one or more portions of such outer perimeter.In some embodiments, the compressible member 150 may be a gasket (e.g.,O-ring) or the like for providing a seal between the rear cover 110 andthe front cover 120 when the rear cover 110 is coupled to the frontcover 120. In particular embodiments, the compressible member 150 ismade of a pliable material, such as, but not limited to, liquid siliconerubber (LSR), microcellular urethane (e.g., PORON®), and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the compressible member 150 may include an enlargedportion 150 a and a projection portion 150 b extending outwards from theenlarged portion 150 a (e.g., towards the edge 112 of the rear cover110). In some embodiments, the projection portion 150 b extends into thealcove 113. In some embodiments, the rear cover 110 may include aninclined surface 114 around a perimeter of the rear cover 110 locatedinwards from the edge 112 of the rear cover 110. The location of theinclined surface 114 may substantially correspond to the enlargedportion 150 a of the compressible member 150. In some embodiments, theenlarged portion 150 a may have grooves for accommodating pillars thatextend upwards from the inclined surface 114 (see e.g., FIG. 6B), formaintaining and stabilizing the compressible member 150. In furtherembodiments, the inclined surface 114 extends at a predefined angle fora predefined length along the rear cover 110. At the edge 112, the rearcover 110 may include a protruding surface 112 a extending from theinclined surface 114 and substantially corresponding to the projectionportion 150 b of the compressible member 150. In some embodiments, theprotruding surface 112 a extends in a downward direction (e.g., in adirection opposite the encased mobile electronic communication device)such that the protective case 100, when lying flat, will stand andcontact the surface on which it lays at the protruding surface 112 a.Furthermore, because the protective case 100 may stand upright via theannular protruding surface 112 a, there will be a volume of empty spacepresent underneath the protective case 100, for example, substantiallyunderneath a flat surface 116 extending from the inclined surface 114,opposite the protruding surface 112 a. This volume of empty space allowsfor improved quality of sound and acoustics originating from the encasedmobile electronic communication device.

In addition, in some embodiments, because the compressible member 150 issubstantially located on the inclined surface 114 of the rear cover 110,this allows the pressure exerted by the compressible member 150 againstthe inner surface 132 of the rim 130 b to be directed or focuseddownwards and towards the rim 130 b, resulting in a stronger seal.Furthermore, in some embodiments, the compressible member 150 takes theform of a ring around the perimeter of the rear cover 120, whichprotrudes upwards towards the front cover 120 above the front surface110 a of the rear cover 110. Accordingly, in some embodiments, themobile electronic communication device, when resting atop the rear cover110 will be suspended above the front surface 110 a of the rear cover110, such that there will be a gap of empty space underneath the devicewhen inside the protective case. By accommodating for a space or gapbetween the mobile electronic communication device and the front surface110 a of the rear cover 110, the protective case 100 allows for improvedsound quality and acoustics originating from the encased mobileelectronic communication device.

In further embodiments, the projection portion 150 b of the compressiblemember 150 contacts (e.g., engages or abuts) the inner surface 132 ofthe rim 130 b of the front cover 120 to form a seal between thecompressible member 150 and the inner surface 132 of the rim 130 b ofthe front cover 120 when the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 arecoupled to each other. In such embodiments, when the rear cover 110 andthe front cover 120 are not coupled to each other (e.g., they areseparated), the rear cover 110 may include an alcove 113 between thecompressible member 150 and the edge 120 for accommodating the rim 130b. The alcove 113 may have enough space for allowing the rim 130 b toboth clasp with the rear cover 110 (at one side of the rim 130 b at theouter surface 131) and compress the compressible member 150 for sealing(at the opposite side of the rim 130 b at the inner surface 132). Insuch embodiments, the compressible member 150 compresses away from theinner surface 132 of the rim 130 b towards the enlarged portion 150 a(e.g., up the inclined surface 114) such that the projection portion 150b is in a state that is flush (e.g., compressed) against the innersurface 132 of the rim 130 b. Accordingly, the excess material of thecompressible member 150 that is compressed up the inclined surface 114may transfer to the enlarged portion 150 a of the compressible member150 and increase the thickness of the enlarged portion 150 a. In suchembodiments, when the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120 are coupledto each other, there may be provided at least one empty space 117 aboveand/or below the compressible member 150 such that the transferredmaterial of the compressible member 150, when the compressible member150 is in a compressed state, may be accommodated within the protectivecase 100. By exerting force against the compressible member 150 suchthat it is in a compressed state, the seal strength may be increased tofurther inhibit passage of fluid, dust, or the like, between thecompressible member 150 and the front cover 120. According to variousembodiments, when the front cover 110 and the rear cover 120 are coupledtogether, an enclosed volume is formed for holding the mobile electroniccommunication device. In some embodiments, the compressible member 150may be made from liquid silicone rubber, which may provide improvedmemory characteristics for maintaining the seal of the protective case100.

In further embodiments, while the inner surface 132 of the rim 130 b isconfigured to interact or engage with the compressible member 150 forsealing the protective case 100, the outer surface 131 of the rim 130 bmay be configured to interact or engage with the rear cover 110 tofasten or clasp the front cover 120 together with the rear cover 110. Insome embodiments, the edge 112 of the rear cover 110 includes a catch112 b. The catch 112 b may correspond to a shape of the angular recess131 a at the outer surface 131 of the rim 130 a such that the angularrecess 131 a and the catch 112 b interlock with each other to secure thecoupling of the rear cover 110 with the front cover 120. In variousembodiments, when the front cover 120 is not coupled to the rear cover110, there may be an alcove 113 between the compressible member 150 andthe catch 112 b for accommodating the rim 130 b when the front cover 120is coupled to the rear cover 110. In other words, the compressiblemember 150 and the catch 112 b may be spaced from each other to form thealcove 113, which is configured to accommodate the rim 130 b. It shouldbe noted that such coupling configurations for the rear cover 110 andthe front cover 120 are examples, and other embodiments may implementother suitable coupling configurations, such as, but not limited to,different corresponding angles and/or shapes of the angular recess 131 aand the catch 112 b (e.g., male and female plugs), other couplingmechanisms (e.g., friction fitting, snap fitting, clasping mechanism,clamping/fastening member, and/or the like), etc. In furtherembodiments, the coupling locations between the rear cover 110 and thefront cover 120 may be discrete and periodic along the perimeter of theprotective case 100, instead of a continuous system throughout theperimeter.

In yet further embodiments, the inner surface 132 and the outer surface131 of the rim 130 b may be designed differently from each other, asthey provide different functions (e.g., the inner surface 131 isconfigured to seal against the compressible member 150 and the outersurface is configured to clasp and engage the rear cover 110 forlatching the front cover 120 and the rear cover 110 together). As such,in some embodiments, the inner surface 132 may have a smooth and levelshape (e.g., flat), so as to not be abrasive against the compressiblemember, and the outer surface 131 may have a more contoured shape (e.g.,jagged or angular shape) for suitably latching and maintaining theconnection to the catch 112 b of the rear cover 110.

According to some embodiments, the front cover 120 includes a membrane140 that allows access to the front surface of the mobile electroniccommunication device, such as the user input interface (e.g.,touchscreen interface) of the mobile electronic communication device,one or more of the operators, and/or the like of the mobile electroniccommunication device, through the membrane 140 provided over at least aportion of the mobile electronic communication device. In someembodiments, the membrane 140 includes at least one aperture 118 (orotherwise provides access) for allowing access to at least one otherportion of the mobile electronic communication device, such as, but notlimited to, one or more of a front-facing camera, microphone, speaker,proximity sensor, etc.

In particular embodiments, the rear cover 110 and the front cover 120,when coupled together, along with the membrane 140, completely enclosethe mobile electronic communication device. The membrane 140 may be asheet of thin plastic or other suitable material, for example, thatallows interaction with an encased mobile electronic communicationdevice (e.g., the touchscreen display of the encased mobile electroniccommunication device). The membrane 140 may be transparent (or at leastpartially transparent) to allow images displayed on the touchscreendisplay of the mobile electronic communication device to be visiblethrough the membrane 140. The configuration (e.g., size, thickness,layout, composition etc.) of the membrane 140 may be based on aparticular manufacturer or model of the encased mobile electroniccommunication device.

According to various embodiments, the membrane 140 is fixed by, forexample, but not limited to, adhesive, surface tension, friction, staticcling, viscous fluid, one or more fasteners, a combination thereof,and/or the like, to one or more of the protective case 100 (e.g., thefront cover 110, the rear cover 120, etc.) or the mobile electroniccommunication device. In some embodiments, the membrane 140 is affixedto the annular ledge 130 a. In such embodiments, the membrane 140 may beaffixed to the ledge 130 a via an annular fastener 142 disposed betweenthe membrane 140 and the annular ledge 130 a. In various embodiments,the annular fastener 142 may be any suitable material for securing themembrane 140 to the annular edge 130 a, such as, but not limited to,double-sided tape, pad print adhesive, and/or the like. By affixing themembrane 140 on top of the outer body 121 (e.g., as opposed from thebottom of the outer body 121 within the cavity 122), the membrane 140may be more uniformly and easily affixed at the annular fastener 142during a manufacturing process of the protective case 100 (e.g., by aroller machine configured to apply uniform pressure throughout theperimeter of the membrane at the annular fastener 142). In otherembodiments, the membrane 140 is not fixed to the protective case 100 orthe mobile electronic communication device. That is, the membrane 140may be a separate component from the rear cover 110 and the front cover120. In such embodiments, the membrane 140 may be held in place againstthe mobile electronic communication device by coupling (e.g., clamping,fastening, adhesive, etc.).

In various embodiments, the membrane 140 is located over the frontsurface of the mobile electronic communication device received in theprotective case 100 and rests on the front surface of the mobileelectronic communication device to allow user interaction with the userinput interface of the mobile electronic communication device throughthe membrane 140. In particular embodiments, a rear surface 140 a (thesurface facing downwards in the orientation of FIG. 4) of the membrane140 is arranged to contact the front surface of the encased mobileelectronic communication device. According to various embodiments, themembrane 140 may be made of any suitable transparent and lightweightmaterial, such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, vinyl, and/or thelike.

The mobile electronic communication device may include at least onecamera or other video/image/data capture device. In particularembodiments, the protective case 100 is configured to allow an image orthe like to be captured through the protective case 100. In particularembodiments, the rear cover 110 includes one or more openings 139arranged to align with a lens of a rear-facing camera and/or a lightsource (e.g., for providing flash photography in conjunction with therear-facing camera) of the mobile electronic communication device. Infurther embodiments, the one or more openings 139 is covered by atransparent portion (e.g., an optically clear lens) arranged to alignwith the camera lens, the light source, and/or the like. The transparentportion may be formed as an integral feature of the protective case 100or may be a separate part formed separately and assembled to theprotective case 100. In some embodiments, the protective case 100includes a movable door arranged over the lens to selectively open toallow the camera to capture an image of an object outside the protectivecase 100. In some embodiments, the front cover 120 may be configured toallow an image or the like to be captured through the protective case100 by a front-facing camera. For example, the front cover 110 mayinclude an aperture or otherwise provide access to the front-facingcamera of the mobile electronic communication device (e.g., through thetransparent membrane 140 itself). In further embodiments, the one ormore openings 139 and/or the aperture for the front-facing camera may besurrounded by a gasket (e.g., O-ring) or the like for providing a sealat the openings and/or aperture. In particular embodiments, the gasketis made of a pliable material, such as, but not limited to, liquidsilicone rubber, microcellular urethane (e.g., PORON®), and/or the like.

The mobile electronic communication device may have one or moreindicator lights on one or more suitable portions of the mobileelectronic communication device to indicate information, such as astatus light for power, communication, battery status, or otherfunctions (e.g., new voicemail, email, text message, or other message).In some embodiments, the indicator lights may be in positions on themobile electronic communication device that are not readily viewablethrough the membrane 140 or other portion of the protective case 100. Inparticular embodiments, the protective case 100 may be configured toallow the indicator lights to be visible through at least a portion ofthe protective case 100. For example, the rear cover 110 and/or thefront cover 120 of the protective case 100 may include one or moretransparent portions, light pipes, or the like that transmit light fromthe mobile electronic communication device to outside of the protectivecase 100. The transparent portions may be constructed of a transparent(or semi-transparent) material. The transparent portions may be formedas an integral feature of the protective case 100 or may be separateparts that are formed separately and assembled to the protective case100. In other embodiments, the indicator lights of the mobile electroniccommunication device are visible to outside of the protective case 100through the membrane 140 itself. According to various embodiments, thetransparent portions may be made of any suitable transparent material,such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, vinyl, and/or the like.

The mobile electronic communication device may further include one ormore audio devices, such as speakers, headphone jacks, microphones forreceiving audio signals, etc. In particular embodiments, the protectivecase 100 may be configured to transmit audio signals through theprotective case 100 to/from the one or more of the audio devices. Forexample, the rear cover 110 and/or the front cover 120 of the protectivecase 100 may include one or more openings 128 to the one or more of theaudio devices. In further embodiments, the opening 128 includes a plug128 a to selectively open to allow access to the opening 128 for thespeaker, microphone jack, and/or the like. In particular embodiments,the plug 128 a is configured to pivot, slide, hinge, or open in anysuitable manner that allows access to the opening 128. In someembodiments, the plug 128 may include an annular gasket 128 b (e.g.,O-ring) configured to surround a portion of the plug. The gasket 128 bmay be configured to seal (e.g., from liquid) the opening 128 when theplug 128 a is situated within the opening 128. In some embodiments, theplug 128 a has a threaded screw-like extension corresponding to thethreaded opening 128, such that the plug 128 a may be rotated into theopening for providing additional sealing and protection to the encasedelectronic mobile communication device. In other embodiments, the plug128 a is not threaded, but is configured to tightly fit in the opening128 for suitably sealing the opening 128. In further embodiments, theplug 128 a is fastened to the protective case 100 by a tether 128 c. Thetether 128 c may be made from any suitable material for securing thetether 128 c to the protective case 100, such as, a rigid material(e.g., plastic, polycarbonate, etc.) or a non-rigid material (e.g.,string, fabric, rubber, etc.).

In other embodiments, the protective case 100 includes a film, membrane,or other material adapted to allow sound to pass through the film to orfrom one or more of the audio devices, yet inhibit passage of fluid,dust, or the like to the audio devices. For example, the membrane 140includes the at least one aperture 118 over a speaker of the mobileelectronic communication device. A film 146 may be provided over the atleast one aperture 118 to allow sound to pass through the at least oneaperture 118 and the film 146. In some embodiments, the film 146 isattached (e.g., via an adhesive, fastener, etc.) to a rear surface 140 aof the membrane 140. In such embodiments, the film 146 is arrangedbetween the mobile electronic communication device and the membrane 140.In other embodiments, the film 146 is attached to a front surface 140 bof the membrane 140. In other embodiments, the film 146 is an integralpart of the membrane 140. In some embodiments, the film 146 isconfigured to inhibit or prevent liquid, dust, and/or the like frompenetrating the protective case 100 at the at least one aperture 118.According to various embodiments, the film 146 may be made of anysuitable light material for protecting the sensitive electronics of theencased mobile device, such as, but not limited to, a hydrophobicpolymer, and/or the like.

The mobile electronic communication device may have at least oneinterface for communicating with another device (e.g., a computer, aspeaker, a charging device, etc.) and/or for charging the mobileelectronic communication device. The interface may be a directelectrical connection, such as through a cable, for example (but notlimited to) a USB cable and/or the like. Alternatively, or in addition,the interface may be a wireless connection, for example (but not limitedto) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or the like. In particular embodiments, theprotective case 100 may be configured to allow access to one or more ofthe interfaces, such as an interface that allows for a direct electricalconnection. For example, the protective case 100 may include aninterface opening 129 that aligns with the interface of the mobileelectronic communication device when the mobile electronic communicationdevice is received in the cavity 122 of the protective case 100. Infurther embodiments, the interface opening 129 may include a door 129 aor the like for allowing selective access to the interface opening 129to the interface of the mobile electronic communication device. Inparticular embodiments, the door 129 a is configured to pivot, slide,hinge, or open in any suitable manner that allows access to the opening129. The door may be made from any suitable material for adequatelysealing the opening 129, such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic,etc.

The mobile electronic communication device may include one or moreoperators (e.g., buttons, switches, etc.) as part of the user inputinterface for the mobile electronic communication device. Theoperator(s) may provide various functions, such as, but not limited to,powering on/off the mobile electronic communication device, changing avolume of the mobile electronic communication device, togglingaudio/vibration (e.g., ringer of the mobile electronic communicationdevice), or performing other functions on the mobile electroniccommunication device (e.g., a “Home” button). The button sizes,quantity, layouts, and functions may vary for each manufacturer andmodel of the mobile electronic communication device.

As such, in various embodiments, the protective case 100 may beconfigured to allow actuation of one or more operators of the mobileelectronic communication device while the mobile electroniccommunication device is encased in the protective case 100. Forinstance, the protective case 100 may include one or more members orother features that are arranged to interact with one or more of themobile electronic communication device operators. In some embodiments, amoveable member may be provided on the protective case 100 at a positionto interact with the one or more operators of the mobile electroniccommunication device (received in the cavity 122) to transmit mechanicalmotion from outside of the protective case 100 to the one or moreoperators of the mobile electronic communication device. In particularembodiments, the moveable member may be a flexible or pliable member orportion of the protective case 100.

In one embodiment, the moveable member may include a flexible member111, which may be arranged in the front cover 120 to transmit a forceapplied to the flexible member 111 to a Home button of the mobileelectronic communication device located on a front surface of the mobileelectronic communication device. In some embodiments, the flexiblemember 111 is also configured to allow sensing electronics of the mobileelectronic communication device, beneath the flexible member 111, tosense characteristics beyond the flexible member. For example, thesensing electronics may include a biometric scanner for scanning andrecognizing a fingerprint of a user, and the flexible member 111 may beconfigured to substantially allow the fingerprint scanner to functionthrough the flexible member 111. In particular embodiments, the flexiblemember 111 may be suitably thin to allow the sensing electronics toproperly function. According to various embodiments, the flexible member111 may be made of any suitable flexible material, such as, but notlimited to, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), microcellular urethane (e.g.,PORON®), and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the moveable member may be a moveable body, such asa plunger or the like, configured to transmit mechanical movement fromoutside of the protective case 100 to one or more of the operators ofthe mobile electronic communication device. For example, a plunger 127may be provided in the front cover 120 to transmit a force applied tothe plunger 127 to a power or sleep/wake button of the mobile electroniccommunication device. As another example, a first button plunger 123 a(e.g., corresponding to a volume up button of the mobile electroniccommunication device) and a second button plunger 123 b (e.g.,corresponding to a volume down button of the mobile electroniccommunication device) may be provided in the front cover 120 to transmita force, applied to the first button plunger 123 a or the second buttonplunger 123 b, to the volume up button or volume down button of themobile electronic communication device. Thus, in various embodiments,movement of a feature of the protective case 100 may move in a same (orparallel) direction as a direction in which a corresponding operator ofthe mobile electronic communication device is moved. According tovarious embodiments, the button plungers may be made of any suitableflexible or pliable material, such as, but not limited to, liquidsilicone rubber (LSR), microcellular urethane (e.g., PORON®), and/or thelike.

In other embodiments, the protective case 100 is configured to provideaccess to one or more of the mobile electronic communication deviceoperators. For example, the protective case 100 may include an openingto allow a user to access (e.g., actuate) one or more of the mobileelectronic communication device operators. It should be noted that themobile electronic communication device may include any suitable type ornumber of operators, and/or the protective case 100 may include anysuitable type or number of members arranged to interact with suchoperators. For example, the protective case 100 may include a pivotingor rocking member for actuating (at least) two of the operators (e.g.,the volume up button and volume down button) of the mobile electroniccommunication device.

FIG. 6A is a view of a front cover of another protective case 600according to various embodiments. FIG. 6B is a cross-section view of aportion of the protective case 600 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6B, in some embodiments, the protective case 600may be configured to allow actuation of one or more switches of themobile electronic communication device while the mobile electroniccommunication device is encased in the protective case 600. Forinstance, the protective case 600 may include one or more members orother features that are arranged to interact with one or more of themobile electronic communication device switches. In some embodiments, amoveable member may be provided on the protective case 600 at a positionto interact with the one or more switches of the mobile electroniccommunication device (received in the cavity 122) to transmit mechanicalmotion from outside of the protective case 600 to the one or moreswitches of the mobile electronic communication device. In particularembodiments, the moveable member may be a rigid laterally movable switchof the protective case 100. For example, at least one switch 125 may bearranged in the front cover 120 to transmit a force applied to the atleast one switch 125 to a switch of the mobile electronic communicationdevice located on a side surface of the mobile electronic communicationdevice.

In some embodiments, the protective case 100 includes the at least oneswitch 125 configured to transmit mechanical movement to a correspondingoperator of the mobile electronic communication device, such as, but notlimited to, an audio/vibration (AV) switch 12. The switch 125 may belocated in correspondence with the AV switch 12 of the mobile electroniccommunication device. For example, the switch 125 may be located at thesame side of the outer body 121 as the button plungers 123 a and 123 bare located, and may be proximate the button plungers 123 a and 123 b.In some embodiments, the switch 125 may be configured for linearmovement relative to a linear dimension (e.g., height dimension) of themobile electronic communication device. In other embodiments, the switch125 may be configured to pivot about an axis to interact with a switchof the mobile communication device. For instance, the AV switch 12 maybe configured for movement in a first direction (e.g., toward a frontsurface of the mobile electronic communication device) to a firstposition P1, which provides a first state (e.g., “ON”), and a seconddirection (e.g., toward a rear surface of the mobile electroniccommunication device) opposite the first direction to a second positionP2, which provides a second state (e.g., “OFF”).

In various embodiments, the switch 125 includes an actuator 125 aconfigured to actuate the AV switch 12 (at least) between the firstposition P1 and the second position P2. The actuator 125 a may beencompassed by a layer of flexible material 125 b that protrudes outsideof the protective case. In some embodiments, the layer of flexiblematerial 125 b forms a recess for receiving the actuator 125 a. A usermay interact with the a layer of flexible material 125 b to move theactuator 125 a. The switch 125 may be provided in an opening through theperipheral wall 120 a of the front cover 120 to allow the actuator 125 ato engage the AV switch 12 of the mobile electronic communication devicewhen the mobile electronic communication device is received in theprotective case 100. In some embodiments, the switch 125 may be formedwith the peripheral wall 120 a (e.g., the switch 125, or the layer offlexible material 125 b, and the peripheral wall 120 a may be formed byovermolding together). In further embodiments, the switch 125 may beformed with an undercut 126 for receiving the actuator 125 a such thatthe layer of flexible material 125 b encompasses the actuator 125 a. Insome embodiments, the actuator 125 a snap fits or pushes into theundercut 126 of the switch 125. The actuator 125 a may be formedseparately from the remainder of the switch 125 and later affixed to theundercut 126 of the switch 125, or the actuator may be formed with theswitch 125 as one piece. In some embodiments, the actuator 125 may beformed by injection molding. In further embodiments, the actuator 125may be formed of any suitable material for engaging with the AV switch12, such as, but not limited to, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), and/or the like. Thus, the switch 125 may be slidably movablerelative to the front cover 120 (or other suitable portion of theprotective case 100) along an axis that is parallel to the dimensionalong which the AV switch moves. In other embodiments, the switch 125may pivot or rotate along an axis that is orthogonal to the dimensionalong which the AV switch moves (e.g., a rocking switch), for actuatingthe AV switch. In particular embodiments, the actuator 125 a may notextend beyond the outer edge of the peripheral wall 120 a (e.g., theactuator 125 a may extend out to before the outer edge or to the outeredge). In one embodiment, the peripheral wall 120 a is a singleovermolded layer that extends in a rectangular perimeter and providescushioning to an encased mobile electronic communication device, whilealso sealing the openings corresponding to switches and buttons of thedevice (e.g., with the switch 125). In other embodiments, the peripheralwall 120 a includes a plurality of discrete pieces melded together toform the wall 120 a (e.g., a top portion of the wall 120 a may beseparately formed from a side portion of the wall 120 a).

In some embodiments, the actuator 125 a includes a first engagementsurface 201 and a second engagement surface 203 that selectively engagesthe AV switch 12 as the switch 125 is moved. After engagement betweenthe AV switch 12 and the first engagement surface 201 or the secondengagement surface 203, further movement of the switch 125 causes theengaged surface 201, 203 of the actuator 125 a to push or otherwise movethe AV switch 12 in a corresponding direction.

Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the actuator 125 a is configuredsuch that the first engagement surface 201 causes the AV switch 12 tomove in the second direction from the first state (e.g., “ON”, P1) tothe second state (e.g., “OFF”, P2) when the switch 125 is shifted in thesecond direction. In addition, the actuator 125 a is configured suchthat the second engagement surface 203 causes the AV switch 12 to movein the first direction from the second state (“P2”) to the first state(“P1”) when the switch 125 is shifted in the first direction.

In some embodiments, the switch 125 is configured to be movable in thefirst direction (at least) until the AV switch 12 reaches the firstposition P1, at which the AV switch 12 is in the first state (e.g.,“ON”). In further embodiments, the switch 125 is configured to bemovable in the second direction (at least) until the AV switch 12reaches the second position P2, at which the AV switch 12 is in thesecond state (e.g., “OFF”).

In other embodiments, instead of shifting linearly, the switch 125 isconfigured to be statically maintained in the protective case 600 and topivot upward and downward about an axis that is orthogonal to thedimension along which the AV switch shifts. In such embodiments, theactuator 125 a is configured such that the first engagement surface 201causes the AV switch 12 to move in the second direction from the firststate (e.g., “ON”, P1) to the second state (e.g., “OFF”, P2) when theswitch 125 is pivoted or rotated in a downward direction (e.g., rotatedin a direction from P1 to P2). In addition, the actuator 125 a may beconfigured such that the second engagement surface 203 causes the AVswitch 12 to move in the first direction from the second state (“P2”) tothe first state (“P1”) when the switch 125 is pivoted or rotated in anupward direction (e.g., rotated in a direction from P1 to P2).

In yet further embodiments, the switch 125 includes an indicator forindicating a position of the rotatable member 125, for example, relativeto the first position P1 and the second position P2. One or more markersor indicators may be provided on the front cover 120 to indicate thelocation of the first position P1 and/or the second position P2.Accordingly, a user can readily determine the state of the AV switch 12based on the indicators on the first cover 120. In further embodiments,the switch 125 includes a stop member for preventing continued movementof the switch 125 in the first direction and/or the second direction.Although various embodiments relate to a switch for actuating the AVswitch 12, in other embodiments, any one or more of the other featuresof the protective case 100 may be a switch for actuating a correspondingoperator of the mobile electronic communication device.

In some embodiments, the switch 125 includes curved portions 125 c. Thecurved portions 125 c may be concave shaped (when viewed from outside ofthe protective case 100), and may curve inwards towards the AV switch 12or actuator 125 a of the mobile electronic communication device. Thecurved portions 125 c are suitably thin or flexible (or both) to allowthe switch 125 to freely pivot, but rigid enough to provide structuralintegrity and support. The curved portions 125 c can provide stabilityand support for maintaining the actuator 125 a in a particular positionor state (e.g., a neutral state at which the actuator 125 a does notmove or change the state of the AV switch 12) when the actuator 125 a isnot manually manipulated, while also enhancing the ability of a user togrip and manual manipulate the actuator 125 a and providing a seal toinhibit passage of moisture into the protective case 100. According tovarious embodiments, the a layer of flexible material 125 b and thecurved portions 125 c may be made of any suitable flexible, resilientmaterial, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane,and/or the like.

FIG. 7A is a view of a front cover of another protective case 700according to various embodiments. FIG. 7B is a cross-section view of aportion of the protective case 700 according to various embodiments.Features described with respect to embodiments of FIGS. 7A and 7B can beemployed in other embodiments including, but not limited to, embodimentsdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-6B. Same reference numbers as thosepreviously illustrated and introduced may correspond to the depictionand description of those reference numbers previously illustrated andpreviously described.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, the protective case700 includes at least one switch 725 configured to allow actuation ofone or more switches of the mobile electronic communication device whilethe mobile electronic communication device is encased in the protectivecase 700. For example, the switch 725 may be similar in function andstructure to the switch 125. In other embodiments, the switch 725 mayhave any other suitable configuration. The protective case 700 mayfurther include a front cover 720 having an outer peripheral wall 721 a,which may be similar or correspond to the outer peripheral wall 121 a.The switch 725 may include an actuator 725 a, which may be similar orcorrespond to the actuator 125 a, and curved portions 725 c, which maybe similar or correspond to curved portions 125 c. The curved portions725 c are suitably thin or flexible (or both) to allow the switch 125 tofreely pivot, but rigid enough to provide structural integrity andsupport as described above with respect to curved portions 725 c.

In some embodiments, the side of the protective case 700 on which theswitch 725 is located has an outer peripheral wall 721 a with an outersurface at a first level X. In particular embodiments, a recess of levelY from the outer surface level X is provided adjacent to the switch 725,toward the front and rear of the protective case 700, to improve manualaccess to the switch 725 from the front or rear of the protective case700. With the switch 725 located within a recess from the outer surfaceX of the protective case, the switch 725 can be protected againstaccidental impact or actuation. In some embodiments, the actuator 725 amay extend to a level not exceeding the second level Y. In otherembodiments, the actuator 725 a may extend to another level such as, bynot limited to, a level not exceeding the first level X, or to a greaterlevel. In some embodiments, a layer of flexible material 725 b and thecurved portions 725 c may be formed by overmolding (e.g., over the innersurface of the outer peripheral body 721).

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a portion of a protective case 100according to various embodiments. Features described with respect to theembodiment of FIG. 8 can be employed in other embodiments including, butnot limited to, embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-7B. Samereference numbers as those previously illustrated and introduced maycorrespond to the depiction and description of those reference numberspreviously illustrated and previously described.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view shows the aperture 118 inthe front surface 140 b of the membrane 140. The aperture 118 may beconfigured and located adjacent to (or otherwise in audio communicationwith) an audio device, such as, but not limited to, a speaker or amicrophone of an encased mobile communication device, when the mobilecommunication device is located within the protective case 100. Theaperture 118 may be covered or layered with the film 146. As discussedabove, the membrane 140 may be a transparent membrane configured toallow a display screen of a mobile device to be seen through themembrane 140. The film 146 may be an audio vent, and may be attached tothe membrane 140 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, anadhesive tape, molding, glue, thermal bonding, or the like. In addition,the protective case 100 may further include a gasket 802 coupled to thefilm 146 and encircling the aperture 118. The gasket 802 may improve theacoustic quality of the sound emanating from the speaker of the mobilecommunication device by sealing and focusing the acoustics to the areaencompassed by the gasket 802. In doing so, the gasket 804 may helpprevent audio feedback and poor sound quality. In other embodiments, thegasket may be made from any other pliable material, such as, but notlimited to, foam, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), microcellular urethane(e.g., PORON®), combinations thereof, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the gasket 802 is configured to contact a face of a mobiledevice when the mobile device is housing in the protective case 100. Inother embodiments, the gasket 802 is configured to be spaced apart fromthe mobile device when the mobile device is housed in the protectivecase 100.

Accordingly, the protective case 100 may include a layered structure atthe aperture 118 of the membrane 140. The layered structure may includethe membrane 140 attached to the film 146, which is attached to thegasket 802. In other words, the layered structure at the aperture 118includes the film 146 interposed between the membrane 140 and the gasket802, such that the membrane 140 does not directly contact the gasket802. In other embodiments, the film 118 is located over the membrane 140(e.g., at the front surface 140 b of the membrane 140), as opposed tobeing beneath the membrane 140 (e.g., at the rear surface 140 a of themembrane 140). In such embodiments, the gasket 802 may be interposedbetween the membrane 140 and the film 148 over and above the membrane140 (e.g., at the front surface 140 b of the membrane 140). In someembodiments, the gasket 802 completely surrounds the aperture 118. Inother embodiments, the gasket 802 partially surrounds the circumferenceof the aperture 118 (e.g., a first section of the gasket 802 is locatedalong the top curve and a second section along the bottom curve of theaperture 118, with the two sections of the gasket 802 beingunconnected). In some embodiments, the gasket 802 (fully or partially)encompasses the aperture 118 in an oval shape. In other embodiments, thegasket 802 encompasses the aperture 118 in any suitable shape, such as,but not limited to, a square shape, a diamond shape, or the like.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a portion of the protective case 100according to various embodiments. FIG. 9B is a cross-section view of aportion of the protective case 100 according to various embodiments.FIG. 9C is a cross-section view of a portion of the protective case 100according to various embodiments. Features described with respect to theembodiments of FIGS. 9A-9C can be employed in other embodimentsincluding, but not limited to, embodiments described with respect toFIGS. 1-8. Same reference numbers as those previously illustrated andintroduced may correspond to the depiction and description of thosereference numbers previously illustrated and previously described.

Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the protective case 100 may furtherinclude a first bottom aperture 902 and a second bottom aperture 903.Each of the bottom apertures 902 and 903 may correspond to locations ofa speaker or microphone of an encased mobile communication device forallowing sound to enter and/or exit the protective case 100.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a cross-sectional view focused on the first bottomaperture 902 is depicted. The protective case 100 at the first bottomaperture 902 includes a film 904 and a gasket structure 906. The film904 may correspond to the film 146. The gasket structure 906 includes afirst gasket 906 a and a second gasket 906 b. The first and secondgaskets 906 a and 906 b may correspond to the gasket 802, discussedabove. The gasket structure 906 separates the film 904 from the film146. In some embodiments, the film 904 may be interposed between thefirst and second gaskets 906 a and 906 b of the gasket structure 906.The second gasket 906 b of the gasket structure 906 is located proximatean encased mobile communication device and the first gasket 906 a of thegasket structure 906 is located proximate the membrane 140. Accordingly,in some embodiments, the film 904 is completely sandwiched along itscircumference between two rings formed by the first and second gaskets906 a and 906 b. In other embodiments, the circumference of the film 904is partially interposed between the two rings (e.g., portions of thecircumference of the film 904 are not covered by the gasket structure906). The top ring formed of the second gasket 906 b may be attached tothe membrane 140, and the bottom ring formed of the first gasket 906 a,or a portion thereof, may be attached to structure on the inside of theprotective case 100.

Accordingly, the protective case 100 may include a layered structure atthe first bottom aperture 902 of the membrane 140. The layered structuremay include the second gasket 906 b attached to the membrane 140, a film904 attached to the second gasket 906 b, and the first gasket 906 aattached to the film 904. In other words, the layered structure at theaperture 902 includes the film 904 interposed between the first gasket906 a and the second gasket 906 b, such that the membrane 140 does notdirectly contact or directly attach to the film 904. The separation ofthe film 904 from the membrane 140 by the gasket structure 906, caninhibit communication of vibrations (audio or otherwise) between themembrane 140 and the film 904 and, thus, can improve audio quality ofsound passing through the aperture 902 in the protective case 100.

In some embodiments, a small chamber 908 is located directly beneath thefilm 902. The small chamber 908 may be an open cavity within theprotective case and may provide a pathway for sound originating from theencased mobile device to be transmitted to outside of the protectivecase 100, or for sound originating from outside the protective case 100to propagate into the encased mobile device. The small chamber 908 maybe define by having borders including the film 904, the inner wall ofthe protective case 100, and a mobile device when the mobile device ishoused within the protective case 100. Beneath the small chamber 908,the interior of the protective case 100 may open into a large chamber910, in which a mobile device may be housed. As such, the combination ofthe small chamber 908 and the large chamber 910 may provide a pathwayfor sound to be communicated or directed to and/or from the encasedmobile device to provide improved sound quality transmission or soundquality reception.

Referring to FIG. 9C, a cross-sectional view focused on the secondbottom aperture 903 is depicted. In some embodiments, the protectivecase 100 at the second bottom aperture 903 includes a film 912 and agasket 913 that constitute the layered structure, similar to the layeredstructure depicted in FIG. 9B. The film 912 may correspond to the film904 and the gasket 913, having a bottom ring 913 a and a top ring 913 b,may correspond to the gasket structure 906, having the first gasket 906a and the second gasket 906 b. In some embodiments, the first bottomaperture 902 corresponds to a location of a microphone of the encasedmobile communication device, and the second bottom aperture 903corresponds to a location of a speaker of the encased mobilecommunication device, or vice versa. In one embodiment, each of thefirst and second bottom apertures 902 and 903 corresponds to microphonesof the mobile device when the mobile device is encased in the protectivecase 100, and in another embodiment, each of the first and second bottomapertures 902 and 903 correspond to speakers of the mobile device.

FIG. 10A is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of theprotective case 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 10B is a sidecross-sectional view of a portion of the protective case 100 accordingto various embodiments. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a lateralportion of a protective case housing a mobile electronic communicationdevice. Features described with respect to the embodiments of FIGS.10A-10C can be employed in other embodiments including, but not limitedto, embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-9C. Same referencenumbers as those previously illustrated and introduced may correspond tothe depiction and description of those reference numbers previouslyillustrated and previously described.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the protective case 100 may house or encase amobile device 1002. In some embodiments, the mobile device 1002 includesa plurality of sound apertures 1003 for transmitting or receiving soundfrom or to the mobile device 1002. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe sound apertures 1003 may be microphones for receiving sound andtransmitting the sound to the mobile device 1002. In other embodiments,one or more of the sound apertures 1003 are speakers for transmittingsound from the mobile device 1002 to the outside. In some embodiments,the sound apertures 1003 are directed toward an acoustic chamber 1004 ofthe protective case 100 such that the sound emitted from the soundapertures 1003 is funneled to outside of the protective case 100 (e.g.,via the second bottom aperture 903).

Referring to FIG. 10B, in some embodiments, the protective case 100includes one or more gaskets 1006 located directly in front of one ormore of the speaker apertures 1003 such that the gasket 1006 covers orseals (e.g., acoustically seals) the sound aperture 1003 and muffles thesound emitted from the covered one or more sound apertures 1003 orblocks outside sound from entering the covered sound aperture 1003. Thegasket 1003 may correspond to the gasket 802. In some embodiments, thegasket 1006 covers one sound aperture 1006. In other embodiments, thegasket 1006 covers a plurality of sound apertures 1006.

In some embodiments, the gasket 1006 covers one or more sound apertures1003 that are microphones such that sound is prevented from entering themicrophone sound apertures 1003, while the other sound apertures 1003remain uncovered. In further embodiments, the uncovered sound apertures1003 are speakers that emit sound. In other embodiments, the gasket 1006covers one or more sound apertures 1003 that are speakers such thatsound is prevented from exiting the speaker sound apertures 1003 to theoutside, while the other sound apertures 1003 remain uncovered. Infurther embodiments, these uncovered sound apertures 1003 aremicrophones that receive sound. In embodiments in which the gasket 1006acoustically seals one or more microphones adjacent one or morespeakers, sound reception quality of the mobile device 1002 may beimproved because the acoustically sealed microphones will no longerreceive noise or interference from the adjacent one or more speakers.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the diagram shows an edge of the mobile device1002 and the location of the gasket 1006 when the phone is housed in theprotective case 100. In some embodiments, the gasket 1006 may cover oracoustically seal one of the sound apertures 1003 from transmitting orreceiving sound. In some embodiments, the gasket 1006 may cover aleft-most sound aperture 1003. In other embodiments, the gasket 1006 maycover any one or more of the sound apertures 1003 for enhancing audioquality of the mobile device 1002.

In some embodiments, the gasket 1006 is of a size and shape to suitablycover one or more of the sound apertures 1003 of the mobile device 1002,such as, but not limited to, a square, a rectangle, a diamond, a circle,and so on. In some embodiments, the gasket 1006 is attached to theinside of the protective case 100. For example, the gasket 1006 may beattached to the overmolding at the inside of the protective case 100. Inother embodiments, the gasket 1006 is separated or spaced apart from theinner wall of the protective case 100. In some embodiments, the gasket1006 is separated (detached) from the acoustic vents of the protectivecase 100 (e.g., films 904 and/or 912). In some embodiments, the gasket1006 is a continuous strip of material. In other embodiments, the gasket1006 includes a plurality of discrete strips of material at one or moreof the sound apertures 1003.

It is to be understood that although particular embodiments of theprotective case 100, 600, 700 are for encasing a mobile electroniccommunication device, the object to be housed in the protective case100, 600, 700 may be any of a number of different objects. In addition,it should be noted that the protective case 100, 600, 700 may have anumber of different suitable shapes, sizes, and configurations. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the protective case 100, 600, 700 mayinclude two separate members (e.g., separate individual front and rearcovers 110, 120) that are configured for being removably coupledtogether to surround the mobile electronic communication device andthereby enclose the mobile electronic communication device. In otherembodiments, the rear and front covers 110, 120 may not be separatemembers, but rather may be members that are joined, for instance, by acommon hinge element, or a single member configured for being foldedupon itself and thereby forming the housing.

It is to be understood that although particular embodiments of theprotective case 100, 600, 700 are for encasing a mobile electroniccommunication device, the object to be housed in the protective case100, 600, 700 may be any of a number of different objects. In addition,it should be noted that the protective case 100, 600, 700 may have anumber of different suitable shapes, sizes, and configurations. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the protective case 100, 600, 700 mayinclude two separate members (e.g., separate individual front and rearcovers 110, 120) that are configured for being removably coupledtogether to surround the mobile electronic communication device andthereby enclose the mobile electronic communication device. In otherembodiments, the rear and front covers 110, 120 may not be separatemembers, but rather may be members that are joined, for instance, by acommon hinge element, or a single member configured for being foldedupon itself and thereby forming the housing.

In other embodiments, the mobile electronic communication device isreceived in the rear cover 110 instead of the front cover 120. Inparticular embodiments, the membrane 140 is attached directly to thefront cover 120. The mobile electronic communication device, forexample, may be received into a cavity defined by the rear cover 110 toposition the back surface of the mobile electronic communication devicewith the bottom surface of the rear cover 110. In some embodiments, themembrane 140 forms a flush, front surface of the protective case 100.That is, the front surface of the protective case 100 is the uppermostsurface of the protective case 100.

The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects asillustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The presentinvention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above.Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of theinvention is indicated by the attached claims, and their equivalents,rather than the embodiments. Various modifications and changes that comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intendedto be within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective case for a mobile electroniccommunication device, the protective case comprising: a rear covercomprising a compressible member and a catch, the compressible memberand the catch being spaced from each other to form an alcove; and afront cover comprising a rim configured to extend into the alcove, therim having an inner surface configured to contact the compressiblemember and an outer surface opposite the inner surface configured toengage the catch.
 2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the outersurface of the rim has an angular recess.
 3. The protective case ofclaim 2, wherein a shape of the catch corresponds to the angular recessof the outer surface of the rim for engagement between the catch and theangular recess.
 4. The protective case of claim 2, wherein the innersurface of the rim has a flat surface.
 5. The protective case of claim1, wherein the compressible member comprises an enlarged portion and aprojection portion extending from the enlarged portion and into thealcove.
 6. The protective case of claim 5, wherein the inner surface ofthe rim is configured to compress the projection portion of thecompressible member when the rear cover is coupled to the front cover.7. The protective case of claim 6, wherein the enlarged portion of thecompressible member is configured to increase in thickness when theprojection portion is compressed by the inner surface of the rim.
 8. Theprotective case of claim 7, further comprising one or more empty spacesabove and/or below the compressible member when the front cover iscoupled to the rear cover, the empty spaces configured to accommodatethe increased thickness of the enlarged portion of the compressiblemember.
 9. The protective case of claim 1, wherein: the rear cover hasan inclined surface; and the compressible member is located on theinclined surface such that the compressible member is directed towardsthe alcove.
 10. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the compressiblemember is made from liquid silicone rubber.
 11. A method ofmanufacturing a protective case for a mobile electronic communicationdevice, the method comprising: providing a rear cover comprising acompressible member and a catch, the compressible member and the catchbeing spaced from each other to form an alcove; and configuring a frontcover comprising a rim configured to extend into the alcove, the rimhaving an inner surface configured to contact the compressible memberand an outer surface opposite the inner surface configured to engage thecatch.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the rimhas an angular recess.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a shape ofthe catch corresponds to the angular recess of the outer surface of therim for engagement between the catch and the angular recess.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the rim has a flatsurface.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the compressible membercomprises an enlarged portion and a projection portion extending fromthe enlarged portion and into the alcove.
 16. The method of claim 15,wherein the inner surface of the rim is configured to compress theprojection portion of the compressible member when the rear cover iscoupled to the front cover.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theenlarged portion of the compressible member is configured to increase inthickness when the projection portion is compressed by the inner surfaceof the rim.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing oneor more empty spaces above and/or below the compressible member when thefront cover is coupled to the rear cover, the empty spaces configured toaccommodate the increased thickness of the enlarged portion of thecompressible member.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein: the rear coverhas an inclined surface; and the compressible member is located on theinclined surface such that the compressible member is directed towardsthe alcove.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the compressible memberis made from liquid silicone rubber.
 21. A protective case for a mobileelectronic communication device, the protective case comprising: anouter peripheral wall along a perimeter of the protective case; and aswitch attached to an inner surface of the outer peripheral wall, theswitch comprising a flexible layer forming a recess.
 22. The protectivecase of claim 21, further comprising an actuator in the recess.
 23. Theprotective case of claim 21, wherein the switch is overmolded to theouter peripheral wall.
 24. The protective case of claim 21, wherein theswitch further comprises at least one curved portion attached to theouter peripheral wall.
 25. A protective case for a mobile electroniccommunication device, the protective case comprising one or more gasketslocated adjacent one or more corresponding sound apertures of the mobiledevice when the mobile device is housed in the protective case, the oneor more gaskets configured to acoustically seal the one or morecorresponding sound apertures.
 26. The protective of claim 25, whereinthe one or more gaskets are configured to seal one or more of the soundapertures such that one or more other sound apertures adjacent thesealed sound apertures are not sealed.
 27. The protective of claim 25,wherein the one or more gaskets are made from a foam material.
 28. Theprotective of claim 25, wherein the one or more sound apertures sealedby the one or more gaskets are microphones of the mobile device.
 29. Theprotective of claim 25, further comprising an outer wall, the one ormore gaskets being attached to an inside surface of the outer wall.